We feel that most estimating software is very useful for contractors. However, I have personally witnessed software purchased one day and then never used. The salesman did his job. The rub is the time it takes to be proficient. The contractor's busy schedule doesn't allow for training. In several cases I know of, thousands of dollars has been invested and no payoff. The software sits in its shrink wrap still unopened.

I am raising a red flag. Take a look at all the risk in construction, some of it we choose. Buying estimating software (decreasing our cash) and never benefiting should not be one of our risk factors.

We recommend looking hard at Microsoft. (See our writing on "Computers".) If you use a computer, you can use the Microsoft Office Suite (90% of users do) and especially Excel. For any one just starting to use computers, the advent of the point and click system also known as Windows, makes it all the more easy.

As proof of our conclusion, The American Society of Professional Estimators released a survey in 2005. Here is the background and the results:

Respondents were asked if their satisfaction level with their current estimating software.

Satisfied 80%
Fairly Satisfied 14%
Dissatisfied/Plan to Change 3%
Other/n/a 2%

Respondents were asked if they anticipate change soon (one year or less)

No change planned 93%
Plan to change soon 7%

Respondents were asked the major factor in the purchase of their estimating software.

Ease of use 30%
Customization 30%
Features 25%
Price 4%
Other/n/a 11%

Average time in use

1-5 years 32%
5-10 years 47%
10+ years 21%

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The Industry is Not Going Away - Construction is a basic necessity to human life (shelter, food, clothing, and water). Contrastingly, most manufacturing will be leaving this country over the next few years. Construction cannot be exported. It must be "insitu" or occurring where it produces the end product. This is unlike service center, computer programming or engineering where other countries provide it from afar and then send it back to the United States. Construction and its sister, demolition are captive to the site.

Merit Based - the construction industry rewards hard work. There is no substitute. We are all dissatisfied with the work ethic today. When we find it, we reward it. Let me give you an example - a person comes to you (male / female) doesn't speak English well, but has promised to work hard and keep their nose clean. You give them a chance and 1 year later, you are glad you did. They kept their promise. Now, what will you do? Ignore them? Cut their pay? Of course not! You will increase their wages and give them more responsibility. Construction contractors reward merit. We are an equal opportunity employer.

In a few years, that same person, having earned the technical understanding and crew following might start their own business. It is almost expected. After working in the field, interacting with clients and managing labor, it is normal and rational for this person to at least attempt it.

Additionally, the industry is also merit based. Question: What is the best advertising in the construction business? A completed project that is on-time and on-budget. It speaks volumes of a contractor's savvy and diligence. There are a minority of good contractors. Word of mouth will travel fast. Excellent contractors have more opportunities for work than their lesser competitors.

Thank you for visiting the Construction Contractor's Digest. We are pleased that you have joined us. This site is for the express purpose of being a resource for construction leaders. We work as management consultants with construction firms. We are Stevens Construction Institute.

Presently, we have written over 190 articles ranging in subjects such as managing people & processes to financial management & computers. Enter your key word (use American English) and I am certain we will have some information for you. As you read these articles, please let us know your thoughts. This adds to the quality of our digest. I am the author of an "old world book" McGraw Hill's Managing A Construction Firm On Just 24 Hours A Day by Matt Stevens. It's 406 pages describe issues, trends and "work smart" processes / tactics for construction contracting. We include over 100 illustrations with 130 Best Practices.

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Supervisor Frank Petrone explained the reasoning for the program to Newsday. “The forefront of government now is energy,” said Petrone. “Why? Because it’s eating us up alive costwise and it’s an environmental issue. That’s why we’re working so hard.”

Part of the incentives offered by the Huntington legislation provides for greater height on buildings and parking structures. “There’s give and take here,” Petrone said. “If we were going to give a little on the height and parking structures, environmentally it’s going to make more sense. We feel by giving that, the environment will be better.”

The legislation applies to commercial projects greater than 4000 square feet. An individual project’s contribution to the fund is capped at $200,000.

• Huntington Bill Pushes Town’s Green Efforts (Newsday)

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